Question
Ilive in nothern florida and have several hibiscus plants. i would like to know when or if i should prune them back for teh winter. if yes how far.

Answer
Pruning is not required for plants to do well, but is used to shape future growth, to invigorate old plants, and manage plant size. You can also prune off diseased and dead wood.

Tropical hibiscus can be pruned any time, but best time is in early spring after last chance of frost.

To avoid removing all flowering branches at one time, you could cut back individual branches one at a time (or a few at a time) and then repeat the procedure 4-6 weeks later.

Temperatures at just above freezing can damage new tender growth which typically happen right after pruning. Therefore, prune when temperatures are consistently above 40F for several weeks after you prune (sence my recommendation for spring). If you prune now, it should harden off before these cold temperatures, so you should still be ok.

I would just like to stress again, that pruning should have a purpose. Not just pruning for the purpose of pruning.

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-- Kenneth